Page 2989 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

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DOs ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Restrict exercise for at least 4 weeks after surgery. • Do not breed affected animals since elbow dysplasia is an
• Use analgesic medication for pain, specifically as recommended inherited (genetically transmitted) disorder. Dogs with elbow
VetBooks.ir • Check your pet’s surgical incision daily for redness, swelling, or • In puppies, rapid growth and excess feeding of highly nutritious
dysplasia of any degree should be neutered.
by your veterinarian.
discharge.
diets may be related to the development of the joint abnormalities
and must be avoided to reduce the risk of elbow dysplasia.
DON’Ts Large-breed puppy foods are specifically formulated to reduce
• Do not use over-the-counter human medications like antiinflam- the risk of nutritionally triggering or worsening elbow dysplasia.
matories without first discussing them with your veterinarian. Many
of these products, which may be perfectly safe for humans, are Other information that may be useful: “How-To” Client Education
toxic to dogs. Sheets for postoperative home care:
• Don’t bathe your pet until the stitches have been removed. • How to Perform Range-of-Motion Exercises
• Do not let your pet lick or chew the incision. • How to Provide General Postoperative Care at Home
WHEN TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN
• If there is swelling at or drainage from the surgical incision or if
your pet is licking the incision.
• If you see a lack of appetite or vomiting postoperatively, because
these may be signs of stomach irritation, which can be a side
effect of antiinflammatory pain medications.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
As a first indicator of the possibility of elbow dysplasia:
• Foreleg lameness that becomes progressively worse in young
large-breed dogs.

ROUTINE FOLLOW-UP
• After surgery, have stitches removed in 10 to 14 days. Practice Stamp or Name & Address

Also available in Spanish.

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